As we spend more time in the digital world and less in the physical world, our personalities and relationships also become more digital. This is causing changes in how we interact with others. For example, nowadays, many people avoid expressing strong opinions because it can be risky. People might disagree with you or get upset, and some may even call you arrogant for valuing your opinion.

In 2008, sociologists interviewed 200 young Americans about their values. They found that most of these young people avoided giving direct opinions. Instead, they said things like, “Opinions vary from person to person, and no one can be sure what’s right or wrong.” Even in the workplace, managers often use vague corporate jargon to avoid taking responsibility for their work. If things are unclear from the beginning, they can blame any problems on a lack of clarity.

Our fear of stating real opinions has created a lack of strong opinions in public discussions. We act like part of a big, undistinguishable group instead of expressing our unique individuality. A famous philosopher, Kierkegaard didn’t like this. He criticized something he called “leveling,” which erases the differences between people and treats everyone the same. Kierkegaard believed that meaningful relationships form when two distinct individuals, each with their own unique qualities, come together. This is different from treating everyone as if they are the same, like friends trying to be exactly like their kids instead of being parents.